Can ADHD Medications Lower My Child's IQ?

Q:

When my son’s IQ was tested, three years ago, he scored 96. Since starting on ADHD meds, he retook the IQ test and scored 70. My husband thinks his medicine is making him dull, but it clearly lessens his symptoms. Could his medication be lowering his intelligence, while allowing him to focus?

You need to see the psychologist who did the recent testing and discuss this drop in your son’s score. The difference may reflect a change in the way IQ is tested now, versus three years ago. For example, scoring for the WISC IQ test changed when the IV edition replaced the III edition, in 2003.

I am concerned if, after all options are considered, your son’s IQ has dropped 26 points. If this is the case, further neuro-psychological studies, plus a neurological evaluation, are needed.